Nov. 4^th 1864.

 

Dear Mamie.

                        As soon as installed in my new position I take the first opportunity to write you. I am well & in good spirits. First of all I must tell you of a stroke of good fortune from an orderly Sergt. I have risen to the command of Corps viz. the 3^rd Brig Pioneer Corps But no joking I have done carrying a Gun. I received an order last night appointing me Acting Lieut. and appointing me to the command of the aforesaid Pioneer Corps. This morning I entered on my duty Reported to the commander of Division Pioneers and/relieved the Lieut. in command. To day’s duty has been a fair sample of what its to be in future This forenoon at work in the woods this evening a Row between two drunken Irishmen which since the writing the last page I have had to use some force to quiet. But Rows are nothing where one has the power in his own hands I have rather a mixed lot some of pretty hard “nuts” & in all they number about thirty. Perhaps a word about Pioneers & their duties will not prove uninteresting since I am with them. First as a general thing theirs is not a post of much danger On the march they march at the head of the column/to clear the roads. Each man besides his musket has some tool either Pickaxe Spade or Axe. In camp they are encamped by themselves near Div. H’d. Qr’s. & always have more or less work to do. I think I shall find it pleasant to stay here notwithstanding the little difficulties. I now have all the priveledges of an officer—which are many. One of the most important is having my things carried & in that particular I am better off here than I should be in the Regt for we have two pack mules to carry the “traps” of the Corps. It begins to look as if we were to have a little rest after the late fight If we do I shall have good/quarters for winter I expect that I shall get the Shoulder Straps soon, perhaps not though This thing has been in the wind for some time allthough I did not write you any thing about it for I intended it as a suprise but I had not reckoned on this Acting business. I think I will write Ben now that he can send along that Sword he proposed my friends should give me. I have got an old one which with the Reb Belt is my present fit out. It will cost me considerable to If I get promoted Clothes are so high. But I shall not need any very nice here in the field By the way I sent home all the money I had after paying a few small bills which I had contracted in six months. I should have kept more but wanted to send the note & Coupons home it being

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